The lesser-known Greek islands in-the-know locals are flocking to this summer

July 10, 2025 By ganimede

Forget Mykonos and Santorini – we asked local experts where they will be spending their summer in Greece this year

Featured Image: Vagelis Pikoulas

Greek summers are synonymous with sea, sand and sun, not just for visitors but for Greeks themselves. As summer approaches, the conversation frequently turns to focus on which islands to visit. While the big names like Mykonos, Santorini and Crete remain perennially popular, there’s something special about visiting the country’s lesser-known islands – of which there are thousands – without the crowds. We asked eight of our favourite Greek tastemakers where they’ll be heading on their summer vacations this year.

Tinos, the Cyclades

“One of my favourite destinations for food is the island of Tinos with all of its small villages,” says Stratis Batayas, owner of the Manna Hotel, shrouded in the fir-tree forest of Mount Mainalo in Arcadia. “Even in a village of 100 people you’ll find an excellent restaurant right on the square serving really good food. Don’t come expecting carpaccio and ceviche. These are places for traditional, authentic Greek cuisine. Tinos is just a couple of hours from Athens by ferry, and it’s also a great place to buy local products like really good dairy, excellent honey, and herbs grown on small local farms. On Tinos, I can have lunch or dinner in a different place every day for a week, and never get bored.”

Tinos Island, in Cyclades, Greece

Apostolos Giontzis

….

Symi, the Dodecanese

Kimolos, the Cyclades

Leros, the Dodecanese

Kythnos, the Cyclades

Rhenia, the Cyclades

Kastellorizo, the Dodecanese

….

Galaxidi, in the southern part of Phocis, Greece, vasiliki

Galaxidi, Corinthian Gulf (for island feels)

“I always spend my holidays by the sea usually on an island,” says chef and restaurateur, Argiro Barbarigou, who opened her first restaurant on the island of Paros in the 1990s, and now a second venue, Papadakis in Athens. “But this summer I’m choosing something different. I’m skipping the Aegean and heading to Galaxidi, a beautifully preserved naval town on the Corinthian Gulf on the mainland that feels like an island with narrow cobbled streets, blooming bougainvillaea, lemon trees, roses, and centuries-old stone mansions once owned by ships’ captains. The town has managed to retain its timeless architecture and gentle rhythm, and when you stroll along the waterfront promenade with the sea on three sides you really forget that you’re not on an island, even though it’s just two hours from Athens by car. The town is welcoming without being crowded, and you can visit uninhabited islets nearby to swim with dolphins and turtles. Don’t miss the really special breakfast at Ganimede Hotel, served by the owner in a leafy garden with local specialities, homemade marmalades and fresh pies.”

Read the full article… (source)